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120-kV Grand-Brûlé-Saint-Sauveur transmission line project: Hydro-Québec must meet the current and future needs of the region

MONTREAL, Nov. 13, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Hydro-Québec would like to
provide some important clarifications with respect to the 120-kV
transmission line in the Laurentides and Pays-d'en-Haut regional county
municipalities (MRCs). Given the information that is currently
circulating, it is important to set the record straight.

A project adapted to regional needs

The regional system in the Laurentides is currently being used at full
capacity. The aim of this regional 120-kV line project is to meet the
growing electricity needs in the Laurentides and Pays-d'en-Haut MRCs,
where demand increased by 20% between 2004 and 2012. This line will
help support residential, economic and tourism development in
Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard and the surrounding region, as well as meet
electricity needs for the next 20 years.

The project is for a 120-kV line. The transmission system in the
Laurentides is operated at 120 kV. Any change to this voltage would
require substantial and unnecessary investments.

All 120-kV line projects are subject to section 22 of the Environment Quality Act. In compliance with this law, Hydro-Québec will file an environmental
impact statement with the ministère du Développement durable, de
l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs (MDDEFP) in order to obtain a
certificate of authorization.

The allegations of certain opponents that the company is trying to avoid
BAPE hearings are unfounded. It is the voltage of the line that
determines the applicable environmental review process, not the
structure that supports the conductors. In accordance with current laws
and regulations, the present project is not subject to an environmental
review process.

It should be noted that in all cases, Hydro-Québec's environmental
review process is very rigorous.

Minimizing impacts

To meet the significant increase in electricity demand in the region,
while minimizing impacts, Hydro-Québec Hydro-Québec plans to build a
double-circuit line, with twelve conductors instead of six (equivalent
to two double-circuit lines). This requires stronger support
structures. These structures do not alter the line's voltage. The tower
model, the right-of-way and the clearance height are the same as those
of a 120-kV line.

The next steps

The regional technical committee set up by Hydro-Québec is pursuing its
activities as planned. This committee is comprised of land use,
environment and landscaping experts from organizations concerned by the
project. Its mandate is to supply information and additional
recommendations to the ones already gathered in the community. The
committee is working to develop a line route with the least possible
impact in an effort to achieve the widest possible consensus.

Hydro-Québec will keep the public and landowners informed of the
committee's work. Once their work is completed, the company will once
again consult local representatives, affected landowners, citizens and
concerned organizations.

This is an evolving line project. Hydro-Québec is working to meet the
region's current and future electricity needs while taking into account
the concerns of local communities.